2012 Ford Explorer Structure & Body Problems
NHTSA lists 146 Structure & Body complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer, 18% of its 827 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 96,000. Two related recalls cover A-pillar trim and interior door handles.
- Structure & Body complaints
- 146
- 18% of 827
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 96,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical body and structure symptoms owners report
- Owners report hood paint bubbling or blistering, which Ford reportedly declined to fix once the vehicle was out of the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.
- Owners describe excessive rust forming under the doors and rear hatch, with dealers stating repairs could not be made until holes formed.
- Some owners report the vehicle rolling on its own after being parked in gear with the parking brake applied, in one case resulting in a crash into a fence and tree.
- Owners describe water entering the cabin through the third-row seat belt area during rain, leaving interior walls and the floor wet.
- Interior door panel vinyl was reported splitting along the seam below the armrest on both the driver and passenger sides.
- A few owners noted delays getting parts for the interior door handle recall (campaign 15V171000) and windshield molding detaching while driving at highway speed.
When 2012 Ford Explorer body and structure complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 13, 2014, latest Sep 9, 2026.
Structure & Body recalls for the 2012 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 24V031000Jan 19, 2024Structure & Body1,889,110 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
- NHTSA 15V171000Mar 24, 2015Structure & Body194,484 vehicles
Structure:body:door
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Risk: If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
Structure & Body complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are structure and body complaints on the 2012 Ford Explorer?
- NHTSA lists 146 Structure & Body complaints for the 2012 Explorer, which is 18% of all 827 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for structure or body issues on the 2012 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. Recall 24V031000 covers A-pillar trim clips that may not engage properly, and recall 15V171000 covers interior door handle return springs that may unseat.
- At what mileage do structure and body problems typically show up on the 2012 Explorer?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 96,000 for Structure & Body complaints on this model year.
- Were there any serious incidents linked to structure and body issues on the 2012 Explorer?
- NHTSA records show 1 crash, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the complaints filed in this category for the 2012 Explorer.